Fakenham Academy Principal Matthew Parr-Burman is competing for Great Britain in the Triathlon, making his debut at the age of 49. Picture: Matthew Usher.

Matthew Parr-Burman has been selected to compete in the European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships, which takes place in Majorca on October 18.

He will race in the 45 to 49 age range and will take part in a 1.9km sea swim, a 90km bicycle ride and a 21km, half-marathon, run.

Mr Parr-Burman has been competing in triathlons since 1987 and has participated in more than 100 short distance events.

The October race will be just the second middle distance triathlon that he has ever taken part in.

Mr Parr-Burman secured his place by finishing in the top five in a qualifying race in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.

He said: “I’ve been competing for many years but have only really just found my niche, in middle distance triathlons.

“I am really excited to be competing for Great Britain and I am targeting qualification for the World Championships in Sweden next year.”

Mr Parr-Burman fits in training sessions whenever he can, often at 5.45am.

He regularly runs the seven miles home to East Rudham after work.

Mr Parr-Burman, who cycles with Fakenham-based East Coast Riders, said: “With the move to an academy, our work with Ofsted and everything else that has been going on it has been a very demanding last couple of years at work.

“I needed something else in my life to focus on to deal with the stress and it has worked brilliantly and helped me at work.

“Exercising and competing in sport has given me extra motivation in all aspects of my life.

“I would recommend it to anyone who has to deal with something complicated in their work life.”

Do you know someone who is achieving great things? Email adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk.

congratulations to mr parr-burham on his personal achievements but how on earth does he justify taking time off during school term time when his school has recently been placed in special measures and his pupils discouraged from taking time off for family occasions !!!